Feline Cystitis Natural Treatment

Feline cystitis is caused by an inflammation of the
urinary bladder and is a common condition in both male and female cats.
This disease is also known as Feline Urologic Syndrome or Feline Lower
Urinary Tract Disease and affects the urinary bladder, but not the
kidneys of the cat.

Causes of Feline Cystitis

Although feline cystitis is idiopathic which means that there is no
known cause for the disease, it is believed that a poor diet may
contribute to the development of this disease in cats. Cats that are fed
a dry diet, have long haired coats, are overweight, and show symptoms
of stress and anxiety are more prone to this disease. An abnormality in
the bladder membrane can also cause feline cystitis.

Management of Feline Cystitis

Cats on dry food are more prone to feline cystitis as they often get
dehydrated. Such cats can benefit if given distilled water to drink.
Instead of feeding dry food to a cat with cystitis, you should feed him
canned food and preferably add water to the food.

Medication

Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed by
veterinarians to treat cystitis. Anti-depressants are administered in
severe cases. However, the treatment depends on the cause of the
disease. Antibiotics are unlikely to work if the cystitis isn’t caused
by bacteria, while antidepressants won’t work if stress isn’t the cause
of the cystitis. Herbs can help heal the cystitis more rapidly. However,
you should consult a holistic veterinarian if you wish to treat your
cat with herbal remedies as herbs are also harmful if given in the wrong
dosages. A holistic veterinarian will diagnose the cause of cystitis
and prescribe herbs according to your pets overall health.

Natural Remedies for Feline
Cystitis

Cranberry extract is an antioxidant that helps to cure cystitis. It’s
acidic in nature and prevents bacteria from surviving in the bladder
wall. Some cats like the taste of cranberry juice and willingly drink
it. For those that don’t like the taste, cranberry juice or cranberry
capsules can be added to canned food. Besides cranberry juice,
couchgrass helps lessen the pain experienced during urination, in cats
with cystitis. Couchgrass is an herb that has anti-inflammatory and
diuretic properties and induces urination in cats. This is helpful
because the higher the frequency of urination, the earlier is the
condition resolved.

Other Natural Remedies

Other herbs that are helpful to treat cats with cystitis are slippery
elm bark, cornsilk, marshmallow root, barberry, yellow root,
goldenseal, uva ursi, dandelion, parsley, watercress and Echinacea.
Vitamin C and vitamin E supplements and homeopathic treatments such as
Cantharis, Causticum, Equistetum and Staphysagria can also be safely
given for long periods, to treat cats with cystitis.

It’s best to conduct a vet check before you administer any drug or
herb to treat your pet to ensure that he recovers speedily and isn’t
harmed by the treatment. You should also ensure that your cat is given a
highly nutritious, easily digestible diet along with plenty of water
and exercise to manage cystitis.